So. You've chosen I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings -- this is a book I read in high school, too. It is such a powerful story and is referenced often in the literary world. Angelou is a tremendous writer, and I love how she captures complex experiences and emotions with such grace and strength.
You don't have to finish the book before you start writing. As a matter of fact, stopping and writing when something strikes you will probably be most revealing about how you're making meaning of the work. Don't shy away if you don't like the book, it's not often that we find our favorite books in the first few pages, and critical reading expects us to find the flaws in writing; plus, strong readers are alert to the places where they disconnect from the text. I'm really excited to know what you think about what you're reading!
Oh, one quick caveat -- please don't summarize the text; I've read the book: I don't want to know what happens in the book, I want to know what you are thinking about the book.
You don't have to finish the book before you start writing. As a matter of fact, stopping and writing when something strikes you will probably be most revealing about how you're making meaning of the work. Don't shy away if you don't like the book, it's not often that we find our favorite books in the first few pages, and critical reading expects us to find the flaws in writing; plus, strong readers are alert to the places where they disconnect from the text. I'm really excited to know what you think about what you're reading!
Oh, one quick caveat -- please don't summarize the text; I've read the book: I don't want to know what happens in the book, I want to know what you are thinking about the book.
Thanks! Look forward to hearing from you!